Connections Through Conversation, a student organization at Grand Valley State University, is entering its second year as a club at GVSU, and the group’s members continue to aim to foster dialogue and understanding among students.
Founded by GVSU students Layla Kattau and Danielle Blanchard, the club emerged from their experiences in IDS 150 – Dialogue Across Difference. The class was taught by Professor Lisa Perhamus, the faculty advisor of Connections Through Conversation, and emphasized civil discourse and the importance of listening to and understanding different perspectives. Kattau, the group’s president, and Blanchard, the vice president, were inspired by their class discussions, and sought to create a space where students could continue such conversations beyond the classroom.
“Our goal is to fight against prejudice by encouraging civil discourse,” said Blanchard. “Prejudice often arises from assumptions, but when we listen to others and share our own experiences, those assumptions break down. Civil discourse is incredibly beneficial, especially in today’s polarized environment.”
Connections Through Conversation meets bi-weekly on Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m. in Kirkhof Center 2264 to engage in discussions on various topics. Meetings are designed to be inclusive and engaging, with an emphasis on listening and mutual respect. In this way, students are enabled to learn about the subjects at hand and, in turn, speak about them from an educated and open perspective. The club’s meetings are guided by Kattau, who facilitates the conversations with a list of guiding questions. Recent discussions have focused on personal beliefs, social identities and intersectionality. According to the club, they will be discussing the 2024 presidential election, as well as the climate crisis in the coming months’ meetings.
In March, the organization was nominated for Best New Organization at the GVSU Student Life Awards, spotlighting their efforts in encouraging conversations and finding common ground between student participants. The nomination was a recognition of the club’s commitment to bridging conflicting views through meaningful conversation.
While the club did not win the award for Best New Organization, Blanchard received the Best Vice President of a Student Organization Award.
“It was a complete surprise, and really encouraged me to keep working on the club,” said Blanchard.
Perhamus praised the club’s efforts and the safe space developed by Kattau and Blanchard.
“Connections Through Conversation is all about creating a welcoming space where everyone has a voice,” said Perhamus.
Perhamus noted that the club’s nominations were a testament of its unique approach to fostering understanding and respectful communication between students.
“In an age of social and political division, the club’s focus on conversation rather than debate is particularly relevant,” said Perhamus.
Perhamus encourages students to enroll in Dialogue Across Difference. The one credit course is being offered throughout the 2024-2025 school year with spots open in both the fall and winter semesters.
“This class provides tools and strategies for having constructive conversations and understanding others,” Perhamus said, highlighting the class as a resource for anyone looking to enhance their conversational skills.
As Connections Through Conversation continues to expand its reach, the group remains committed to its mission of promoting understanding and respect through meaningful dialogue.
